Pneumonia Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ

Q:Pneumonia is usually not contagious.

Q:Pneumonia is usually not contagious.

The correct answer is: • False

Explanation:

Pneumonia is extremely contagious and is caused by breathing in small droplets that get into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Pneumonia can also result when bacteria or viruses from the mouth, throat, or nose inadvertently enter the lung(s).

Q:Walking pneumonia is generally deadly if not treated in a reasonable amount of time.

Q:What is pneumonia?

Q:With pneumonia, sputum is sometimes ________________.

Q:With pneumonia, sputum is sometimes ________________.

The correct answer is: C Bloody

Explanation:

Pneumonia can be a serious and life-threatening infection. This is true especially in the elderly, children, and those who have other serious medical problems, such as COPD, heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Q:Patients with pneumonia may sometimes develop purplish skin.

Q:Patients with pneumonia may sometimes develop purplish skin.

The correct answer is: • True

Explanation:

At times, the skin and nail color of an individual with pneumonia may change and become dusky or purplish. This is a condition known as "cyanosis," which occurs as a result of low levels of oxygen in the blood.

Q:Pneumonia is one of the top 10 causes of death in the United States.

Q:When pneumonia is present, infected areas of the lung(s) fill with fluid and pus.

Q:When pneumonia is present, infected areas of the lung(s) fill with fluid and pus.

The correct answer is: • True

Explanation:

Once organisms enter the lungs, they usually settle in the air sacs and passages of the lung and begin to multiply. The lung area then becomes filled with fluid and pus as the body attempts to fight off the infection.

Q:There is no vaccine against pneumonia.

Q:There is no vaccine against pneumonia.

The correct answer is: • False

Explanation:

Two vaccines are available to prevent pneumococcal disease, which is one type of pneumonia. The vaccines are called Prevnar (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) and Pneumovax 23 (pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine).

Q:Pneumonia can be serious, but it is rarely a life-threatening infection.

Q:Pneumonia can be serious, but it is rarely a life-threatening infection.

The correct answer is: • False

Explanation:

Pneumonia can be a serious and life-threatening infection. This is true especially in the elderly, children, and those who have other serious medical problems, such as COPD, heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the MedicineNet Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.